Steve Waugh and Adam Goodes riding in to Deloraine on a push bike isn’t where you’d expect to see the former sporting stars, but on Monday that is exactly what happened.
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The duo are in the state for Waugh’s foundation fundraiser – The Captain’s Ride.
More than 75 riders are taking part in the event, which will make stops all over the state.
Waugh said the ride’s goal was to raise about $1 million for his foundation.
“We’re close to that now,” he said.
It is the first time the race has been held in Tasmania.
“Why not Tasmania? I love Tassie. I wanted to take the ride instate and I just know how fantastic Tasmania is,” Waugh said.
“I know it’s challenging for the riders with the hills, but it’s got great countryside and not too much traffic.”
Arriving on Sunday to Deloraine, Waugh said the course would literally be uphill from there.
“We have a fair few hills in front of us. From here, it’s Devonport to Cradle Mountain then Cradle to Strahan, Strahan to Tarraleah then back to Hobart,” he said.
On Sunday the crew rode a whopping 170 kilometres from Hobart to Launceston.
“It was a long day in the saddle,” Waugh said.
The three groups of riders had experienced some “minor” falls, but Waugh said “nothing too serious” had happened.
“Safety is a priority for the the pelotons,” he said.
Deloraine Rotary Club donated $500 the foundation as the riders stopped for burgers and a milkshake at the town’s 50s Diner.
Club president Gayle Plunkett said she was delighted to hand over the cheque.
“We felt it important to put our support behind this worthy cause,” she said.